1 Chronicles 2:20

And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

And Hur {H2354} begat {H3205} Uri {H221}, and Uri {H221} begat {H3205} Bezaleel {H1212}.

Hur fathered Uri, and Uri fathered B'tzal'el.

Hur was the father of Uri, and Uri was the father of Bezalel.

And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezalel.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:20 is a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, highlighting the lineage of Hur, Uri, and most notably, Bezaleel. These detailed records were vital in ancient Israel for establishing tribal identity, land rights, and affirming God's faithfulness in preserving the lines through which His covenant promises would be realized.

Context

The Book of 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping genealogical account, tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapter 2 specifically focuses on the descendants of Judah, the royal tribe from which King David and ultimately the Messiah would emerge. Within this lengthy list of names, verse 20 serves as a key link, connecting Hur and Uri to Bezaleel, a figure of immense importance from the foundational Exodus narrative.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation of Lineage: This verse, like many others in the biblical genealogies, underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign plan in preserving specific bloodlines. Even seemingly brief entries confirm the continuity of God's people and the steadfastness of His promises through generations.
  • God's Gifting for Service: The most prominent aspect of this verse is the mention of Bezaleel. He is not merely another name in a list but a divinely appointed and uniquely gifted craftsman. His inclusion here emphasizes God's pattern of raising up and equipping individuals with specific talents and abilities for particular tasks within His grand design. Bezaleel was supernaturally empowered by God's Spirit to oversee the intricate construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings.

Linguistic Insights

The name Bezaleel (Hebrew: ื‘ึฐึผืฆึทืœึฐืึตืœ, Bฤ•tsal'el) carries profound meaning, translating to "in the shadow of God" or "in the protection of God." This name perfectly encapsulates his divine appointment and the extraordinary skill he possessed, indicating that his abilities were not merely human talent but a direct endowment from God for the sacred work of the Tabernacle. This divine empowerment is clearly described in Exodus 31:3, where the Lord states He has "filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship."

Practical Application

While a simple genealogical record, 1 Chronicles 2:20 offers several enduring insights for believers today:

  • God Works Through Generations: This verse reminds us that God's plans unfold across time and often involve generations of people. He works through individuals, even those who might seem ordinary within a lengthy lineage, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Every person has a unique place in God's ongoing story.
  • Recognizing and Utilizing Divine Gifts: Just as Bezaleel was uniquely gifted for the Tabernacle, God continues to equip believers with spiritual gifts and natural talents for His service today. This verse encourages us to recognize and faithfully utilize our own abilities for the glory of God and the building up of His kingdom. For more on spiritual gifts, consider 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
  • God's Enduring Faithfulness: The continuity of genealogies speaks volumes about God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, spanning across countless generations. He is the God who meticulously preserves His people and fulfills His word.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 31:2

    See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

  • Exodus 36:1

    ยถ Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.

  • Exodus 36:2

    And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, [even] every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

  • 2 Chronicles 1:5

    Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.

  • Exodus 37:1

    ยถ And Bezaleel made the ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [was] the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

  • Exodus 38:22

    And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.
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